House Republicans approve renaming the Kennedy Center Opera House after Melania Trump
FOX NewsJUL 23
House GOP Votes to Rename Kennedy Center Opera House for Melania Trump
Above: First lady Melania Trump visits with children July 3, 2025 in Washington. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The first lady deserves recognition for being part of reforms at the Kennedy Center that support cultural programming reflective of American values. The Kennedy Center needed leadership that prioritizes family-friendly entertainment over divisive content like drag shows targeting children. The Trumps have remade the Kennedy Center into a source of American pride.
Democratic narrative
This is more shameless sycophancy by Republicans, who haven't met an American institution that they don't want to rename for a Trump. Trump has already made the divisive move of taking unprecedented control over the Kennedy Center while slashing its regular funding. This amendment is another assault on the traditionally bipartisan institution's independence.